In a ringing endorsement of Kenya’s bold foreign policy gamble, the United States has officially declared that the Haitian government would have fallen to gang rule were it not for the intervention of the Kenya Police Service.

The statement came from U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau during an emotional ceremony at the National Police College in Embakasi, Nairobi. Addressing a contingent of officers who had just returned from their tour of duty in Port-au-Prince, Landau painted a chilling picture of how close the Caribbean nation came to total anarchy—and how the "boots on the ground" from Nairobi turned the tide.

"You Answered the Call"

"I say this with total conviction: The Government of Haiti would not have survived had it not been for you," Landau told the officers, who stood in formation, their faces a mix of pride and fatigue. "When the world looked away, when others hesitated, Kenya answered the call. Your heroism has bought a nation a second chance."

The ceremony also saw the special recognition of 20 female officers from the elite SWAT team. These women, deployed in the heart of gang territory, shattered stereotypes and proved instrumental in community engagement, a key component of the mission's success.

A Mission of High Stakes

The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) has been a baptism by fire for the Kenyan officers, facing urban guerilla warfare against heavily armed gangs. Yet, the mission has stabilized key infrastructure, including the airport and port, allowing humanitarian aid to flow again.

• The Honor: Certificates of service were awarded to the returning officers, a badge of honor for their role in global peacekeeping.
• The Partnership: Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized that the mission has deepened security ties between Nairobi and Washington, with the US providing critical logistical and intelligence support.

The Unfinished Business

While the accolades flow, the job is far from done. Gangs still control large swathes of Haiti. But for today, Nairobi celebrates its sons and daughters who went into the fire and held the line, proving that Kenya is no longer just a spectator in global security, but a decisive player.